IGN hosts Ryan McCaffrey, Miranda Sanchez, and Michael Higham blind taste-tested limited-edition Fanta cans created for the Xbox 25th anniversary [1].

The collaboration highlights the intersection of gaming culture and consumer branding. By utilizing a popular podcast format, the campaign reaches a dedicated gaming audience through a multisensory promotional experience.

The segment was recorded for the UNLOCKED podcast and presented by Fanta [1]. During the test, the hosts sampled the Crimson Sour Cherry flavor, which was released in collectible cans to mark the milestone of 25 years [2] for the Xbox brand.

This promotional effort is part of a broader global campaign by Fanta to celebrate the gaming console's anniversary [3]. The initiative combines a new flavor profile with collectible packaging to drive engagement among fans and collectors.

The video, published in 2024, showcases the hosts reacting to the beverage without knowing the brand beforehand [1]. This blind-testing method is intended to provide an unfiltered reaction to the taste of the Crimson Sour Cherry variety.

While the recording took place in 2024, the partnership emphasizes the long-term market presence of the Xbox ecosystem [2]. The use of limited-edition products is a common strategy to create urgency and exclusivity within the gaming community.

“The hosts sampled the Crimson Sour Cherry flavor, which was released in collectible cans.”

This partnership demonstrates the trend of 'gamified' consumer goods, where beverage companies leverage milestone anniversaries of tech brands to create short-term demand. By integrating the product into a trusted media outlet like IGN, the brand transforms a standard product launch into a piece of community content.